Activity Stream

From Radio Insight: As Ball State University prepares to complete the move of 89.5 WBSB Anderson IN to the tower of its WIPB-TV Munice, its Indiana Public Radio will flip the station to Classical “89.5 The Note“. The new Classical station will mostly feature programming from Minnesota Public Radio’s “Classical 24” network along with other programs such as WFMT Chicago’s Sunday Afternoon Classics with Peter van de Graff and Chicago Symphony Orchestra coverage. The remainder of the network will drop its Classical programming replacing it with additional Public News/Talk and AAA programs. Among the shows to be added on 92.1 WBST Muncie, 90.9 WBSW Marion, and 91.1 WBSH Hagerstown are BBC World Service, BBC Newshour, KERA-FM Dallas’ “Think”, CBC’s “Q with Tom Power”, and WXPN Philadelphia’s “Xponential Radio” to the weekday lineup and PRX’s “No Small Endeavor” and “Left, Right & Center”, BBC’s “Arts Hour”, and Freakonomics Radio. No dates for the changes were announced but the new lineups for the stations have been published here. more

From Radio Insight: Connoisseur Media Country “103.1 The Wolf” WWWF-FM Bay Shore NY has promoted afternoon host Kelly Ford to Music Director. Ford, who also hosts Key Networks? syndicated ?Backstage Country? night show, joined the station on August 1. She is best known in the New York area for her run as co-host of Westwood One?s ?America?s Morning Show? and ?Ty, Kelly & Chuck? from 2015-18 before launching a local morning show on 94.7 WNSH from January 2019 until the station dropped the Country format in 2021. Ford previously spent two decades at Country 98.5 KYGO Denver from 1992 to 2012. WWWF-FM Program Director Patrick Shea said, “It?s become hard to count how many times I?ve heard, ‘wow, I love Kelly so much. You?re lucky to have her.’ We couldn?t agree more. Our team is lucky to have her, and Long Island is lucky to have her.? Connoisseur Media COO David Bevins added, “Kelly Ford is a true industry powerhouse. We are thrilled to have her at 103.1 The Wolf. Her passion for country music and her immediate connection with our listeners is an invaluable asset as we continue to grow our presence across Long Island.? Ford commented, “I?m beyond excited to step into the role of Music Director at 103.1 The Wolf. It feels like a natural evolution in my career, allowing me to deepen the relationships I’ve built over the years in country radio and Nashville. I?m pumped to collaborate with our amazing team under the leadership of Patrick Shea to help shape The Wolf into a beloved heritage station that resonates with our listeners and showcases the incredible talent in our genre.? more

From Radio Insight: Heather Deluca has exited as Brand Manager and midday host of Townsquare Media Hot AC “SoJo 104.9” WSJO Egg Harbor City/Atlantic City after fifteen years at the station. Deluca joined WSJO in 2009 and rose from APD/MD to PD in 2014, spending time in both middays and afternoons. After starting her career at “Alice 104.5” WLCE Philadelphia, Deluca has been a staple in South Jersey since 2000 with time at Modern AC “106.3 The Shore” WKOE and a run in middays at CHR 95.1 WAYV preceding her arrival at WSJO. She also has been tracking weekends for all of Townsquare’s Adult Contemporary stations. Deluca posted, “The rumors are true. Sadly, after 15 years, my time on the air at SoJO 104.9 has ended. Although this departure was not my choice, I have nothing to be sorry for. I’ve gotten to meet everyone I’ve ever wanted to meet, go on adventures I never thought possible, and, most importantly, build relationship and friendships with listeners I will cherish forever. Having said that, I’m back on the market! Come and find me. I bring nothing but passion and enthusiasm to my work and am ready to share that wherever I land next. Thank you to my loyal listeners for letting me into your workdays and your lives, and to the colleagues I leave behind who I already miss dearly. more

From Radio Online: MusicDatak appoints 30-year media and entertainment veteran Richard Rene as Director of International Business Development. Rene's previous roles include Director of International Development at Westwood One Radio Networks from the late 80's to mid 90's, as well as Vice President of International at More...

From Radio Online: After an 8-year hiatus, Lindsay Bloom is returning to the new "TJ andamp; Riggins Show" starting Monday, September 30. Lindsay joined the show in 2013 after a decade long run as a NBA cheerleader and since leaving the program in 2016, in addition to getting married and having two children, Lindsay is now an More...

From Radio Insight: The flux continues for the syndicated “TJ & Riggins Show” as former co-host Lindsay Bloom will return to the show starting Monday, September 30. Bloom previously was part of the “Ace & TJ Show” from 2013 to 2016. She spent a decade as a dancer for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats and since leaving the show married, had children, and became an interior designer and social media influencer. She will take the female co-host spot on the show that was most recently held by Alexis Aguiluz until her departure earlier this summer. Bloom said, “After 8 years, getting married and starting a family, I couldn?t be more excited to be returning to the show that introduced me to my love of media. I?m ready to pick up where we left off! Excited to join the fun and I am looking forward to sharing and updating y?all.? TJ commented, “She has two toddlers now, so I think she’s using us as an excuse to take a breather every morning.” Riggins added, “I am beyond thrilled that one of our friends and former colleagues is coming back to the show! Not only is Lindsay talented and beautiful, but she?s also got a recipe for a Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll that I?ve been dying to get my hands on. We?re all very excited!? more

From Radio Insight: France based MusicDatak, an algorithm-based music research tool for radio stations, retail brands and music curators, has announced the addition of Richard Rene as Director of International Business Development. MusicDatak was founded in 2020 by global programmer Sam Znieber to detect hits, verify information, organize and prioritize hits according to the degree of audience satisfaction or fatigue in a precise location. Znieber has programmed stations including Classic Hits 102.7 WMXJ Miami and Rhythmic AC “92.5 The Beat” CKBE-FM Montreal and stations in his native France, Australia, and the United Kingdom. MusicDatak currently operates in 20 markets, including USA, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, Norway, and Switzerland. Its tools include: DataKallout?, its call-out tool with real-time listener feedback on top hits, DataKorium? to test thousands of tracks to optimize their music libraries, while StationRadar? predicts audience preference. Among their clients are Bonneville CHR “99.7 Now” KMVQ San Francisco. Rene previously has held titles as Director of International Development for Westwood One in the 80s/90s, Vice President of International for Australia’s Austereo-MCM Entertainment in the late 90s, General Manager of International Relations fo Dial Global from 2010-12, and has run his Rene Global Associates for the past 25 years. Znieber said, “Richard?s in-depth expertise in radio, software, and international markets makes him a perfect fit for our team. His leadership will be critical as we expand our reach and continue to innovate in the radio industry.? Rene commented, “MusicDatak?s audience rating results over the past four years demonstrate its status as one of the most innovative and ground breaking tools in the industry. I?m excited to join Samuel and his talented team to contribute to the company?s global growth.? He can be reached at richard@musicdatak.net. more

From Radio Insight: The FCC has issued $1,837,330 in fines against six pirates in the Miami and New York areas under the PIRATE Act. The six pirates were all issued Notices of Apparent Liability earlier this year and failed to respond. In Florida, $358,665 fines were issued against Brindley ?Bo da Lover? Marshall for operating ?Hot 97.7 FM? in Miami since at least 2016 and Cameron ?DJ Fresh? Brown for operating ?The Plug? on 89.5 in Miami since at least 2014. A $120,000 fine was issued to Abdias ?DJ AJ? Datis or operating ?Unique FM? on 91.7 in Miami Gardens and North Miami from four office suites leased to his wife and his home since 2018. A $920,000 penalty was given to Masner Beauplan for operating an unauthorized radio station, known as ?Radio Leve Kanpe? on 91.7 MHz in Irvington and Maplewood NJ from November 2023 to January 2024. $40,000 penalties were issued against Raul Alcantara for operating “88.9 Sabor FM” in the Bronx from November 2023 to January 2024 and Wilner Baptiste for operating ?M-One Live Radio? on 94.1 MHz in Spring Valley NY from January 2024 to June 2024. more

From Radio Online: The FCC took significant enforcement actions on Thursday against illegal radio broadcasting operations in both the New York City and Miami areas, imposing and proposing fines that highlight the agency's ongoing crackdown on pirate radio under the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act (PIRATE More...

From Radio Online: Sam Putney, a beloved former Dallas news anchor known for his work at K104 and WBAP, has died following a stroke at the age of 76. Putney was widely recognized for his role on the "Skip Murphy and Company" morning show on K104, a program that enjoyed immense popularity in the Dallas area. In addition to his More...

From Radio Online: As Hurricane Helene approaches the Gulf Coast, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has issued a statement outlining the agency's efforts to support communication networks and assist in recovery efforts during the storm. The FCC has activated its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) for Florida, More...

From Radio Online: PodcastOne has announced the launch of "Beat It Out," a new podcast featuring Adam Carolla and comedian Jay Mohr. This addition strengthens the longstanding partnership between PodcastOne and Carolla, who has been with the network since its founding in 2009. The show will be available exclusively to paid More...

From Radio Online: Triton Digital has announced the integration of Sounder's Promo Hub into its Audio Insights Dashboard, offering podcasters a streamlined and automated solution to simplify podcast promotion and content creation. This new feature is designed to assist publishers of all sizes, from More...

From Radio Insight: Hutton Broadcasting has pulled the plug on CHR “99X” KKDG Durango CO and is currently stunting as “99.7 Doggy-FM” with music “for and about dogs”. Featuring “The Benji & Toto Show” with two dogs barking and imaging from an AI theft of Snoop Dogg’s likeness, the station is promoting itself as “the first Durango radio station exclusively designed for dogs”. It says, “Recognizing the intelligence and emotional depth of our canine companions, Doggy FM aims to provide a unique auditory experience that caters to their specific needs and interests. Featuring a carefully curated playlist of calming music, soothing soundscapes, informative content, and even dog therapy, Doggy FM offers a soothing and stimulating environment for dogs.” Among the content being promoted are Gentle melodies and rhythms designed to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs (and their owners), nature sounds, educational content about dog care, training tips, and interesting facts about the canine world, and therapeutic sounds including thunder, vacuums, sirens, and the like to help desensitize your pet. Among the songs heard in our sampling this morning are John Hiatt “My Dog and Me”, George Thorogood and the Destroyers “Move It On Over”, Lobo “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo”, The Beatles “Martha My Dear”, and Norah Jones “Man of the Hour”. Hutton Broadcasting Four Corners General Manager Jack Llewellyn said, “Durango loves their dogs. We believe that dogs deserve to enjoy the same level of entertainment and enrichment as humans. By creating a station specifically for them, we hope to provide a valuable resource that enhances their quality of life.? more

From Radio Online: Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) KOBQ-FM/Albuquerque afternoon host Jenelle Vannoy as the 2024 "Behind The Mic" mentee. The "Behind The Mic Mentorship" program is a year-long experience exclusively for female personalities from any U.S. based music format that have been in an on-air position for More...

From Radio Insight: Renda Broadcasting AC 96.1 WEJZ Jacksonville FL morning host of the past 34 years Arthur Crofton has passed away at the age of 72. Crofton has hosted mornings at WEJZ since August 1990 and has been teamed with Yvonne Velasquez since 2010. A native of Birmingham, England, Crofton began his career as a mail clerk for CBS News. After attending the University of Alabama, he began his career in Tulsa. He would first arrive in Jacksonville in 1978 spending six months in middays at AC “Sunny 60” 600 WSNY. He returned to Jacksonville in 1981 to host mornings at “97 Wave” 96.9 WAIV until 1985. After a stint in mornings at 97.1 WASH-FM, he would return to WAIV and then spent time at then 600 WOKV follow its flip to Talk in 1989 before joining WEJZ. The station released a brief statement, “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce that Arthur Crofton has passed away. To say that he will be missed is a huge understatement. Arthur has been hosting mornings on WEJZ for over 30 years. He entertained and informed millions of North Floridians and he loved every minute of it. Please keep his family in your prayers.” more

From Radio Online: The Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is now accepting nominations for the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award. The scholarship is awarded to an individual who works in the Country radio industry and who espouses the spirit and virtues of generosity, caring and community service. Past recipients of the award include Tim More...

From Radio Online: SummitMedia adds "The Bootleg Kev Show" to the weekday and weekend lineups at WHZT-FM (Hot 98.1) in Greenville, SC and WKHT-FM (Hot 104.5) in Knoxville, TN. Effective immediately, the Premiere syndicated program now airs on the stations weekdays from 7-midnight and Sundays from 10am-12pm ET. The show is More...

From Radio Insight: SummitMedia is adding Premiere Networks’ “Bootleg Kev Show” to nights on Rhythmic CHR “Hot 98.1” WHZT Seneca/Greenville SC and “Hot 104.5” WKHT Knoxville TN. The show will run from 7pm-12am weekdays with ?The Bootleg Kev Weekend Show? on Sundays from 10am to 12pm. Featuring Bootleg Kev, comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr. and producer DJ Sam I Am, the show launched in syndication in March 2021 and moved to Premiere Networks last January. Kev co-hosted nights at KRRL with DJ Hed from 2016 until December 2020. He also previously hosted at KKFR Phoenix and WLLD Tampa and has also worked at KVEG Las Vegas and KWYL Boise. Bootleg Kev commented, “I couldn?t be more excited to partner with two legendary radio stations in both Greenville and Knoxville. I?d like to give a big shout out to Mo, Randy, and the whole Summit team for embracing our show and giving us a chance to do great radio for them!?* SummitMedia EVP/Programming Randy Chase said, “Kev is fresh and different! The show delivers all the expectations of the traditional radio consumer, plus artist access, a unique lifestyle perspective, podcasting, socials, and more.* Bootleg Kev is the future of the content experience that we must deliver to grow our medium.? * Bootleg Kev replaces Ant Dizzle at WHZT. Ant remains with the cluster in his role as Regional Production Director. Nights at WKHT had been vacant since Tino Cochino Radio moved to mornings in July. more

From Radio Insight: Radio Content Pro is launching two products to serve Spanish language stations as “Radio Content Pro El Grito” provides detailed content for Regional Mexican stations and “Radio Content Pro Tumbao” for Urban and Reggaet?n brands.* The service will hold a webinar on Thursday, September 26 at 4 pm Eastern Time to introduce the new products featuring Tracy Johnson and Spanish radio host, programmer, and consultant Benjamin ‘El Chupacabras’ Reed. They will explain how stations can leverage the power of AI to improve their content and workflow, then see a for a live demo and Q&A of the two new products with a Q&A to follow. The webinar will be recorded and made available on-demand to registered guests. To register to see live or on-demand go to https://radiocontentpro.com/hispanic/ more

From Radio Insight: Alpha Media has promoted Kevin Washington to Operations Manager for its five stations in Dayton OH. Washington had been cluster Promotions Director, APD/midday host at Hip Hop “Hot 102.9” WDHT and co-host of “Kinner and Kev” on Sports “ESPN 1410” WING under the on-air name ‘Kev Nash’. He will add oversight of the cluster that also includes Adult R&B 92.1 WROU, Variety Hits “92.9 Jack-FM” WGTZ, and Classic Country “101.5 Hank-FM” WCLI starting October 1. Washington said, “I’m excited to take on this new role with Alpha Media. We have great stations in the market and greater people inside the building. I’m looking forward to this next chapter.? SVP/Market Manager Brett Beshore added, ?I?m thrilled to be promoting Kevin into this pivotal role with Alpha Dayton. He?s consistently demonstrated strong commitment to the organization?s values and goals, delivering exceptional results with everything he?s undertaken. There?s no one more deserving. He?s the absolute best choice to lead our highly-talented team with our heritage brands.? more

From Radio Insight: Audacy Hot AC “Mix 106.5” WWMX Baltimore has signed morning hosts Steve Kramer and Jessica Dutra to multi-year contract extensions. The duo joined WWMX in August 2020. Kramer previously hosted mornings at CHR ?Channel 93.3? KHTS-FM San Diego, Country 107.9 KMLE Phoenix, Hot AC ?Play 98.7? WSJT Tampa and CHR ?Island 106? WILN-FM Panama City and hosts his C”ertified Mama?s Boy? podcast. Before coming to Baltimore, Dutra had spent her entire career at iHeartMedia San Diego holding roles such as producer, co-host and social media coordinator. Kramer said, “We’ve worked hard the last four years and have created a cool community here in Baltimore. We’re excited to grow with Audacy and connect with Maryland listeners for years to come. Thanks to the whole team for believing in us!” Dutra said, “I?m so grateful for our strong relationship with Baltimore. Our listeners have been a part of some of our biggest milestones, including my engagement and wedding. I?m so excited to continue waking up with Baltimore and building our connection!” Audacy Baltimore SVP/Market Manager Tracy Brandys added, “I am thrilled that we have successfully extended ?Kramer & Jess?. This morning duo?s outstanding talent and dynamic presence have truly made a remarkable impact in Baltimore, and I am confident that our listeners will continue enjoying and engaging with their entertaining show.” more

From Radio Online: Beasley Media Group has announced plans to ensure safety and continuous service as Hurricane Helene approaches Florida, impacting its Tampa, Fort Myers and Naples markets. The company has put specific protocols in place to safeguard staff while continuing to deliver critical updates More...

From Radio Online: My Cultura, iHeartMedia's podcast network focused on amplifying Latinx voices, has partnered with Futuro Studios to release a new 10-episode podcast series entitled "Chess Piece: The Elian Gonzalez Story." Hosted by investigative journalist Peniley Ramirez, the series delves into the dramatic 1999 rescue and More...

From Radio Insight: After adding the Dana Cortez Show and Jonathan ‘Snupe’ Daniel last week, Waterloo Media Rhythmic Throwbacks “Vibe 93.3” KGSR Cedar Park/Austin TX has filled out the remainder of its weekday lineup. Eric ‘Chuy’ Alderete, Executive Producer of “Mornings with Matt & Bob” at sister Classic Rock 93.7 KLBJ-FM, will add middays from 10am to 12pm at KGSR. During his tenure with the company, Alderete previously served as a reporter and producer at News/Talk 590 KLBJ and hosted middays at KLBJ-FM. The Norfolk based ‘Alex’ will follow from 12-3pm. She has been hosting middays at AAA AAA ?97.1 Austin City Limits Radio? K246BD Austin/KGSR-HD2 until it moved online-only last month and went jockless along with nights at Alternative “101X” KROX-FM. She is also heard in her home market in middays on Alternative ?96X? WROX-FM as well as afternoons on Variety Hits ?93.7 Bob-FM? WNOB. Robbie, morning host at Spanish CHR “Latino 97.1” KGSR-HD2/K246BD will host nights from 7-10pm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VIBE 93.3 (@vibe93.3) more

From Radio Online: Podcasts offer entertainment and education for all ages, but for kids, fun is the main reason to listen. According to The Kids Podcast Listener Report, 59% of kid listeners tune in because podcasts are fun, and 48% enjoy listening with their families. The top podcasts for children are imaginative and More...

From Radio Insight: In addition to joining Press Communications Classic Rock/Hits “107.1 The Boss” WWZY Long Branch NJ to host “The Boss Radio Hall of Fame? on Wednesday nights, Al Levine has also joined Nassau Community College’s 90.3 WHPC Garden City NY as ?Assistant to the Director” serving as a “Professional In Residence”. Levine will be working with the student and volunteer hosts “to help catapult their professional experience before they even start their careers, giving them an edge over others who apply for the same positions in the industry.” The station has previously sent students to careers at companies including iHeartMedia, Connoisseur Media, Cox Media Group, and JVC Media. Levine said, “I am excited and can?t get wait to get started at WHPC. I?ve had the privilege to help, hire and inspire talent on a professional level, many of whom got their start on air and have gone on to bigger radio markets. I thank Shawn for recognizing my experience which should prove instrumental for this position. Did I mention this is going to be fun?? WHPC Faculty Director Shawn Novatt said, “I am excited about bringing Al Levine to the WHPC scene. Having also worked in commercial radio before coming to NCC, I know first-hand what Al will bring to the station, including his ability to help guide on-air personalities to get the best out of them both on, and off the air. The future of WHPC ? and the radio industry ? is brighter than ever, and I can?t wait to add to what we do at WHPC with Al at the station.? Al Levine with WHPC Students Devin O?Shea, Josue Bran and Linda Faulk (Photo from Shawn Novatt) more

From Radio Online: Elaina Smith, host of Westwood One's syndicated "Nights with Elaina" returns as the voice of the People's Choice Country Awards for the second year running. NBC will broadcast the People's Choice Country Awards live from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Thursday, September 26 at 8pm. Hosted by Country More...

From Radio Online: Syndicated Urban music countdown show, "Top 10 Now andamp; Then," celebrates its 20th year of entertaining radio listeners with Old School's biggest hits on Saturday, September 28. The Saturday countdown show will mark its 20th anniversary this weekend with a specially produced edition that revisits the same topic More...

From Radio Insight: iHeartMedia News/Talk 600 KOGO San Diego has added Veronica Carter as co-anchor of “San Diego’s Morning News with Ted Garcia”. Carter joins KOGO from the same role at Alpha Media’s 101.1 KXL Portland OR and has previously held anchor/reporter positions at WBBM, WGN and WIQI Chicago, editor/reporter at KCBS San Francisco, was Executive Editor for KFBK Sacramento and Regional News Director for iHeartMedia Pacific. KOGO Program Director Mary Ayala said, “I?m thrilled to welcome Veronica to our team. Her depth of experience, vibrant enthusiasm and passion for connecting with the people of California make her a great addition to our morning show.? Carter commented, “I?m honored to join such a respected team and excited to connect with our listeners each morning, bringing them the news and stories that matter most.” Carter replaces LaDona Harvey, who announced she was stepping down from the role earlier this month. more